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I’ve always had a soft spot for a restaurant with a view. Give me a window seat or a patio overlooking something pretty, and I’m happy, even if the food is just okay. There’s just something about sitting down to a meal with water, mountains, or even a good city view in front of you that makes it feel a little more special.
The good news is, Arkansas doesn’t make you choose between the view and the food. All across the state, you’ll find places that deliver both, from lakeside decks and riverfront tables to mountaintop overlooks and a few great skyline views mixed in. If you’re like me and will always pick the table with a view, here are 20 Arkansas restaurants worth checking out.
Feed and Folly – Fayetteville
Feed and Folly has one of the better rooftop views in downtown Fayetteville, especially in the evening when the lights come on around Dickson Street. The menu mixes global street food with burgers, tacos and shareables, and the rooftop cocktails are a big draw.
Oak Steakhouse – Rogers
Located on the rooftop of Hotel Avail in Rogers, Oak Steakhouse gives you wide views across Pinnacle Hills and the growing Rogers skyline. The menu focuses on steaks and seafood, with dry-aged cuts as the centerpiece.
Lakepoint Restaurant and Event Center — Bella Vista
Lakepoint sits directly on Lake Loch Lomond in Bella Vista with large windows and patio seating overlooking the water. The menu leans upscale American with steaks, seafood and pasta.
The Skycrest Restaurant — Paris
At the top of Mount Magazine, Skycrest looks out across the Petit Jean River Valley through massive windows that make the view part of the meal. The menu includes steaks, seafood, burgers and Southern favorites, and the fried catfish is one of the most popular orders.
Mather Lodge photo courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.
Mather Lodge Restaurant — Morrilton
Inside Petit Jean State Park, Mather Lodge overlooks the Arkansas River Valley with one of the best dining views in the state. The restaurant is known for hearty Southern food, especially breakfast favorites like biscuits and gravy.
Cliff House Inn Restaurant — Jasper
The Cliff House sits high along Scenic Highway 7 near Jasper with wide views of the Ozark Mountains and the Arkansas Grand Canyon through the dining room windows. The food is classic comfort fare, and many visitors stop for the chicken-fried steak and homemade pie.
Gaston’s White River Resort Restaurant — Lakeview
At Gaston’s, the dining room faces the White River, giving diners a clear view of the water while they eat. The menu features trout and various seafood dishes along with classic Southern staples that fit the setting.
DeVito’s Restaurant — Harrison
Just outside Harrison, DeVito’s is tucked into the hills, offering a quiet view of the surrounding Ozarks and a trout farm. The restaurant is known for Italian dishes and fresh rainbow trout. The toasted ravioli is always a favorite.
Wood’s Riverbend Restaurant — Mammoth Spring
In Mammoth Spring, Wood’s Riverbend overlooks the Spring River with a large covered deck facing the water. The restaurant serves steaks, barbecue, and comfort food, with smoked meats and prime rib drawing regulars. Be sure to watch for groundhogs and muskrats playing along the riverbanks.
JoJo’s Catfish Wharf — Mountain View
JoJo’s is located just outside of Mountain View on the banks of the White River. Their resort features some of the best trout fishing in the state, and the restaurant serves up catfish and seafood platters.
Anglers White River Resort — Mountain View
Along the White River near Mountain View, Anglers offers riverfront dining with clear views of the water and surrounding bluffs. They serve catfish and steakhouse fare year-round.
Spah Grill – Batesville
Spah Grill sits on a hill overlooking Batesville, so the windows offer a broad view across town as you eat. The menu mixes breakfast, burgers, comfort food and Tex-Mex favorites. They’re open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and always complement the affordable menu pricing.
The River — Batesville
The River overlooks the White River and offers a beautiful view of White River Lock and Dam 1. The menu focuses on steaks, seafood, and Southern dishes. Local bands regularly perform live music.
Janssen’s Lakefront Restaurant — Edgemont
On Greers Ferry Lake, Janssen’s features large windows and patio seating to keep the lake view front and center. The menu centers on steaks, seafood, and daily specials set by the chef. The desserts, especially the six-layer chocolate cake, are worth splurging on.
Red Apple Inn & Country Club Restaurant — Heber Springs
On Eden Isle overlooking Greers Ferry Lake, the Red Apple Inn offers elevated lake views from both the dining room and patio. The menu features chef-crafted appetizers, entrees and casual fare. Their annual Easter and Mother’s Day buffets always draw large crowds.
Cafe Klaser – Heber Springs
Cafe Klaser overlooks the Little Red River from a large deck and dining room that keeps the water in view while you eat. The menu leans Cajun and Southern, and they regularly feature live bands.
Dondie’s White River Princess – Des Arc
Built to resemble a riverboat along the White River in Des Arc, Dondie’s is one of the more unique waterfront restaurants in Arkansas, with river views from the upper dining areas and deck. The restaurant is known for its seafood buffet, fried catfish, crawfish, and prime rib. In October 2025, Dondie’s suffered a devastating fire that heavily damaged the restaurant, but the owners rebuilt and remodeled the space and are now open.
Brave New Restaurant — Little Rock
Brave New overlooks the Arkansas River from both the dining room and patio, giving it one of the better city-and-water views in Little Rock. The menu is upscale American, and they are known for their incredible wine list.
Cypress Social — Maumelle/North Little Rock
Cypress Social was designed to make the outdoors part of the dining experience. A patio and outdoor seating area overlook a beautiful pond and create a magical atmosphere. The chef-inspired menu blends Southern and Cajun-style dishes along with handcrafted cocktails and desserts.
Fisherman’s Wharf Steak & Seafood — Hot Springs
Fisherman’s Wharf sits right on Lake Hamilton with a large deck overlooking the water. The menu focuses on steaks and seafood, and the crab legs are one of the restaurant’s signature dishes.
I love food, and I always try to check out new restaurants when I travel across the state, but I can’t get everywhere. I am sure I have missed a few restaurants that deserve a place on this list. If you’ve got a favorite Arkansas restaurant with beautiful views, drop it in the comments so I can check it out next time I’m in town.
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